Honouring a Legacy, Investing in the Future

Calgary’s business community will soon gather to celebrate one of its most influential families, while also investing in the leaders who will follow in their footsteps.

The Haskayne School of Business and Calgary Chamber of Commerce have announced the Hunter family as the 2026 recipient of the Inspiring Business Leader Award. 

Selected for a legacy of entrepreneurial thinking that has shaped business, philanthropy and innovation in Calgary, the Hunters have built a reputation for pairing business success with meaningful community investment.

Bluesky Equities, a three-generation firm run by the Hunter family, has helped build and back business in industries ranging from real estate to energy for more than two decades. The family has notably become a driving force within the Western Canadian innovation ecosystem where it has invested in more than 100 seed-stage businesses since 2012.

That legacy is reflected not only in their business ventures, but also in the family’s sustained commitment to community impact. Through the Hunter Family Foundation, the Hunters have fostered transformational change through a wide range of initiatives in education, health and community well-being. 

The Hunter family’s inspirational leadership will be formally recognized at a gala on June 17 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. Doug, Derrick and Adam Hunter will take the stage for an insightful, intergenerational fireside chat and join an esteemed group of past recipients whose impact has shaped Calgary’s economic and civic landscape.

The gala event, which is open to the business community, also serves as a powerful platform for tomorrow’s entrepreneurial thinkers. Proceeds from table sales directly support scholarships for business students at Haskayne, and provide Chamber memberships for post-secondary students.

Since the event’s launch in 2008, nearly $500,000 in scholarships has been awarded to more than 100 aspiring business leaders.

For scholarship recipients, the support can be transformative. Rita Boury, a dual-degree student in finance and software engineering, describes the scholarship as an investment not only in her education, but in her aspirations to build innovative technology ventures that improve quality of life.

“This award has reinforced my belief that I can create a lasting impact and build something that creates real value,” says Boury, who was among six students to receive the 2025 scholarship.

Oto Uffort shares a similar experience. Uffort notes that donor support has enabled her to immerse herself in courses she is passionate about while volunteering as a technology mentor. The opportunity, says Uffort, has strengthened her ability to make a meaningful impact through her future career.

“This support not only eases my financial responsibilities, but also inspires me to continue pursuing excellence and making a meaningful impact,” says Uffort. “I am sincerely thankful for your investment in my education and for empowering me to grow both as a student and as a community mentor.”

The 2026 Inspiring Business Leader Award gala takes place June 17 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Macleod Hall Ballroom at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. 

Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tax receipts will be provided for the charitable donation portion of each ticket price.

Click here to secure your spot. Registration closes June 9.

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